REVIEW – Be honest. How many times have you been in a public restroom and heard someone a few stalls over talking, and you knew they were on the phone? Or you’re hearing TikToks playing? Public restrooms are germy nightmares, and don’t tell me about washing your hands – you need to disinfect your phone as well! And, through the power of UltraViolet light, simplehuman is offering us a way to do just that with their CleanStation. Let’s take a look.
What is it?
The simplehuman CleanStation is an ultraviolet sanitizer for mobile phones.
What’s in the box?
- simplehuman CleanStation phone sanitizer
- Power brick
Design and features
The simplehuman CleanStation is a 7.6” tall, 2” x 4.5” tower of brushed aluminum. There is an opening in the top, similar to a toaster slot, but covered with UV-blocking foam curtains. Powered by an included wall adapter, you place your phone into the top slot, and it is lowered mechanically into the inside chamber, where it is exposed to UV rays on all sides for 30 seconds. There is a great animation of the internal workings on their website. But how does it look in action? Here’s a video.
Since the device is held by an acrylic carriage, no part of the phone is skipped in the sanitization operation. To let you know it is working, there is an LED ring around the unit about .375” from the top that pulses gently while your phone is being zapped.
Setup
Remove the simplehuman CleanStation from the box and plug the cord into an outlet.
Performance
If you can use a toaster, you can use the CleanStation. (Actually, it’s easier, because there is no lever to push down to drop the “bread” into place!) During testing, I found it never malfunctioned or rejected any of the phones I inserted. At the end of the cycle, right before it ejects your phone, there is a chime that sounds. This can be turned off via a button on the bottom of the unit, but why would you? Don’t you want to tell everyone you are smart enough to sanitize your phone?
There’s not a lot to judge without performing a lab test before and after. The simplehuman CleanStation takes in any phone that is able to fit into the slot, with or without a case, and returns it back in the stated 30 seconds. Since it is so fast, it is much more likely to be used, rather than the chambers you have to open and close to place the phone in. And it’s a good timer for washing your hands as well.
What I like
- Simple operation
- No touch
- Easy and safe to use
What I’d change
- Cannot think of a thing
Final thoughts
While I’ve not used other UV sanitizers, during this year+ of COVID, I have kept up with reviews of similar products. None offer the touch-free, fast action of the simplehuman CleanStation. While I’m not able to test the presence or absence of germs, I do believe the science that says UV light will kill germs, and feel better knowing that my phone is being sanitized regularly. I find this much easier and more effective than using isopropyl alcohol or bleach wipes, and it’s much less likely to stain or damage your phone or case.
Price: $200.00
Where to buy: Company Webstore
Source: The sample of this product was provided simplehuman.
Gerber Gear Suspension 12-in-1 EDC Multi-Plier Multitool with Pocket Knife, Needle Nose Pliers, Wire Cutters and More, Gifts for Men, Camping and Survival, Grey
$54.75 (as of March 30, 2025 17:37 GMT -04:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
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How is the price not something that’d fall in the “What I’d change” section?
Especially when compared to various UV sanitizers found on Amazon for about $30, for instance this one with included QI charger: https://www.amazon.com/Samsung-Electronics-Wireless-Charger-Sanitizer/dp/B08BJFRS78